Disinfectant formulation

ABSTRACT

An aqueous disinfectant formulation comprising at least one phenolic compound of natural origin; a surfactant sufficient to form a solution or dispersion of the essential oil in an aqueous carrier; a solvent, and sufficient water to make 100 weight percent is described herein.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is filed under 37 CFR 1.53(b) as a continuation-in-partapplication. This application claims priority under 35USC § 120 of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 16/142,833 filed Sep. 26, 2019, which claimsthe benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/391,995 filed Dec.28, 2016, which claims the benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/055,044 filed Feb. 26, 2016, which claims the benefit of US patentapplication Ser. No. 14/163,133 filed on Jan. 24, 2014, which claims thebenefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/420,688 filed on Apr. 8,2009, which claims the benefit of U.S. patent Provisional ApplicationNo. 61/043,317 filed on Apr. 8, 2008, the entire contents of which areincorporated by reference in their entireties.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention broadly relates to disinfectant formulationscomprising one or more phenolic compounds of natural origin. Morespecifically, but not exclusively, the present invention relates toformulations comprising one or more essential oils enriched in one ormore phenolic compounds of natural origin suitable for disinfecting andcleaning large surface areas such as commonly encountered inagricultural settings, the formulations typically comprising one or moreessential oils.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In spite of modern improvements in hygiene and infection prevention,livestock health has become an increasingly important public healthissue. This has been due in part to the fact that infections caused byviruses, bacteria and fungi have increased as a result of travel andglobal interconnections.

Pathogens such as bacteria, fungi, viruses, and bacterial spores areresponsible for a plethora of human and animal ills, as well ascontamination of food and biological and environmental samples. Thefirst step in microbial infections of animals is generally attachment orcolonization of skin or mucus membranes, followed by subsequent invasionand dissemination of the infectious microbe. The portals of entry ofpathogenic bacteria are predominantly the skin and mucus membranes.

Virtually every intensive livestock producer accepts that effectivedisease prevention is key for maintaining a healthy enterprise. Over theyears the improvement in and availability of vaccines has greatlyassisted in the prevention of a large number of diseases. However, evena well vaccinated livestock can succumb under severe challenge.Moreover, since vaccines are not available for all the diseases to beprevented, producers have accepted that a well-planned and monitoredbio-security program, coupled with an effective disinfection andvaccination program, is essential for maintaining the health of theirstock.

Avian influenza is an infectious disease of birds caused by type Astrains of the influenza virus. The disease, which was first identifiedin Italy more than 100 years ago, occurs worldwide. All birds arethought to be susceptible to infection with avian influenza, though somespecies are more resistant to infection than others. Domestic poultry,including chickens and turkeys are particularly susceptible to epidemicsof rapidly fatal influenza.

Fifteen subtypes of influenza virus are known to infect birds, thusproviding an extensive reservoir of influenza viruses potentiallycirculating in bird populations. To date, all outbreaks of the highlypathogenic form have been caused by influenza A viruses of subtypes H5and H7. Recent research has shown that that viruses of low pathogenicitycan, after circulating for sometimes short periods in a poultrypopulation, mutate into highly pathogenic viruses.

The quarantining of infected farms and destruction of infected orpotentially exposed flocks are standard control measures aimed atpreventing spread to other farms and eventual establishment of the virusin a country's poultry population. Apart from being highly contagious,avian influenza viruses are readily transmitted from farm to farm bymechanical means, such as by contaminated equipment, vehicles, feed,cages, or clothing. Stringent sanitary measures on farms can, however,confer some degree of protection.

A great many of the current antimicrobial compositions, includingsanitizers and disinfectants, contain antimicrobial agents which are notnaturally occurring. Typical antimicrobial agents used in sanitizers anddisinfectants include chemical disinfectants such as phenolic compounds,quaternary ammonium compounds, strong oxidizer, formaldehyde and halogencontaining compounds. Such materials are not of natural origin (i.e. notfound in nature) and are prepared through chemical processing andsynthesis. A great many of these “synthetic” disinfectants causeundesirable effects on both the environment and on human health. Theconcept of formulating disinfectants, essentially involving theselection of a simple chemical disinfectant and enhancing its activityby adding other chemicals, evolved in the seventies.

The enhancement of the activity of a simple chemical disinfectant orcombination of simple disinfectants to increase the spectrum of activityfrequently involves the addition of additional chemical agents. Suchadditional chemical agents will generally have an effect on the pH andsurface activity of the formulated product once in solution. It is wellestablished that a number of simple disinfectants demonstrate theiroptimum activity at a specific pH (i.e. acidity or alkalinity). Theability of the disinfectant solution to make complete and even contactwith the surface to be treated is also of great importance. This cangenerally be achieved by the addition of a surfactant or detergent tothe formulation.

Disinfectants play a vital role in any biosecurity system, both in theprocess of terminal disinfection and in the ongoing hygiene maintenance.Apart from relatively minor changes and improvements in formulations,there has been little innovation in livestock disinfectant andlarge-surface disinfectant development for some fifteen to twenty years.

While some natural plant oils have been known since antiquity to havecurative properties, the topical and oral benefits of natural plant oilshave more recently been attributed to antimicrobial properties. A greatmany of the natural essential oils are derived from cajeput, cedarwood,citronella, clove, cypress, fir-needle, eucalyptus, garlic, lavender,lemon, lemongrass, marjoram, niaouli, onion, orange, oregano, patchouli,peppermint, rosemary, rosewood, tea tree, y-lang and vetivert. Of thesenatural essential oils, oregano oil, comprising a complex mixture ofantimicrobial compounds, has been used as a reference for the comparisonof the bactericidal action of other substances owing to its near idealantibacterial properties. Oregano oil has been demonstrated as exertinga high degree of anti-fungal, anti-parasitic, anti-viral andantibacterial action. The phenolic flavenoids carvacol and thymol aretwo potent natural antiseptic agents encountered primarily in oreganooil.

Attempts have been made to formulate disinfectant solutions based uponessential oils. However, because of their hydrophobic nature, essentialoils are not readily miscible in water. As a result, essential oils areoften difficult to prepare in a form that will allow them to be readilyincorporated into an aqueous solution.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,403,587 issued to McCue et al. on Apr. 4, 1995 disclosesan antimicrobial composition that uses both a solvent and a surfactantto facilitate the formation of a homogeneous aqueous mixture of anessential oil. However, this composition is not suitable fordisinfecting large surfaces such as commonly encountered in agriculturalsettings where the disinfectant solution is commonly prepared from aconcentrate using the on-site water source.

The present invention refers to a number of documents, the content ofwhich is herein incorporated by reference in their entirety.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to disinfectant formulations comprisingone or more phenolic compounds of natural origin.

As broadly claimed, the present invention relates to aqueousformulations suitable for disinfecting and cleaning large surfaces andcomprising one or more phenolic compounds of natural origin.

In an embodiment, the present invention relates to an aqueousdisinfectant formulation comprising:

at least one phenolic compound of natural origin;

a surfactant in an amount sufficient to form a solution or dispersion ofthe phenolic compound in an aqueous carrier;

a solvent;

a sequestering agent; and

sufficient water to make 100 weight percent.

In an embodiment, the present invention relates to an aqueousdisinfectant formulation comprising:

at least one phenolic compound of natural origin;

a surfactant in an amount sufficient to form a solution or dispersion ofthe phenolic compound in an aqueous carrier;

a solvent; and

sufficient water to make 100 weight percent.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the phenolic compound ofnatural origin is an active ingredient commonly found in essential oils.In a further embodiment of the present invention, the phenolic compoundis an active ingredient of oregano oil.

In an embodiment, the present invention relates to disinfectantformulations exhibiting antibacterial properties.

In an embodiment, the present invention relates to disinfectantformulations exhibiting antimicrobial properties.

In an embodiment, the present invention relates to an aqueousdisinfectant formulation for denaturing biofilms.

In an embodiment, the present invention relates to disinfectantformulations exhibiting antiviral properties.

In an embodiment, the present invention relates to disinfectantformulations exhibiting antifungal properties.

In an embodiment, the present invention relates to a disinfectantformulation comprising a homogeneous aqueous solution.

In an embodiment, the present invention relates to an aqueousdisinfectant formulation generating a foam when applied to a surface tobe disinfected. The foam adheres to the surface to be disinfected for atime sufficient to ensure eradication of the non-indigenous and/orpathogenic bacterial population.

In an embodiment, the present invention relates to an aqueousdisinfectant formulation generating a foam when applied to a surface tobe disinfected. The foam adheres to the surface to be disinfected for atime sufficient to ensure eradication of the non-indigenous and/orpathogenic microbial population.

In an embodiment, the present invention relates to an aqueousdisinfectant formulation generating a foam when applied to a surface tobe disinfected. The foam adheres to the surface to be disinfected for atime sufficient to ensure eradication of the non-indigenous pathogenicand/or viral population.

In an embodiment, the present invention relates to an aqueousdisinfectant formulation generating a foam when applied to a surface tobe disinfected. The foam adheres to the surface to be disinfected for atime sufficient to ensure eradication of the non-indigenous and/orpathogenic fungal population.

The disinfectant formulations of the present invention can be dispensedusing any suitable application means. In an embodiment, the disinfectantformulations of the present invention are applied to a surface using afoamer.

In a further embodiment, the present invention relates to biodegradabledisinfectant formulations.

Finally, the present invention relates to disinfectant formulationsretaining their properties when diluted with hard water.

The foregoing and other objects, advantages and features of the presentdisclosure will become more apparent upon reading of the followingnonrestrictive description of illustrative embodiments thereof, given byway of example only.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

In order to provide a clear and consistent understanding of the termsused in the present specification, a number of definitions are providedbelow. Moreover, unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientificterms as used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood to oneof ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains.

The use of the word “a” or “an” when used in conjunction with the term“comprising” in the claims and/or the specification may mean “one”, butit is also consistent with the meaning of “one or more”, “at least one”,and “one or more than one”. Similarly, the word “another” may mean atleast a second or more.

As used in this specification and claim(s), the words “comprising” (andany form of comprising, such as “comprise” and “comprises”), “having”(and any form of having, such as “have” and “has”), “including” (and anyform of including, such as “include” and “includes”) or “containing”(and any form of containing, such as “contain” and “contains”), areinclusive or open-ended and do not exclude additional, unrecitedelements or process steps.

The term “about” is used to indicate that a value includes an inherentvariation of error for the device or the method being employed todetermine the value.

The term “hard water” as used herein refers to water having a highconcentration of dissolved minerals and solids.

The term “natural origin” as used herein refers to phenolic compoundsthat exist or are produced in nature. Such phenolic compounds can beextracted or isolated from their natural environment by any suitablemeans. Of course, such phenolic compounds can also be syntheticallyproduced by the hand of man. Such synthetic equivalents are within thedefinition of “natural origin”.

Antimicrobial agents that are useful in the present invention are theso-called “natural” antimicrobial actives, referred to as naturalessential oils. These actives derive their names from their naturaloccurrence in plants. Essential oils include oils derived from herbs,flowers, trees, and other plants. Such oils are typically present astiny droplets between the plant's cells, and can be extracted by severalmethods known to those of skill in the art (e.g., steam distillation,enfleurage (i.e., extraction using fat(s)), maceration, solventextraction, or mechanical pressing). Essential oils are typically namedby the plant or vegetable in which the oil is found. For example, roseoil or peppermint oil is derived from rose or peppermint plants,respectively. Non-limiting examples of essential oils that can be usedin the context of the present invention include oils of anise, lemonoil, orange oil, oregano, rosemary oil, wintergreen oil, thyme oil,lavender oil, clove oil, hops, tea tree oil, citronella oil, wheat oil,barley oil, lemongrass oil, cedar leaf oil, cedar wood oil, cinnamonoil, fleagrass oil, geranium oil, sandalwood oil, violet oil, cranberryoil, eucalyptus oil, vervain oil, peppermint oil, gum benzoin, basiloil, fennel oil, fir oil, balsam oil, menthol, ocmea origanum oil,Hydastis carradensis oil, Berberidaceae daceae oil, Ratanhiae andCurcuma longa oil, sesame oil, macadamia nut oil, evening primrose oil,Spanish sage oil, Spanish rosemary oil, coriander oil, thyme oil,pimento berries oil, rose oil, bergamot oil, rosewood oil, chamomileoil, sage oil, clary sage oil, cypress oil, sea fennel oil, frankincenseoil, ginger oil, grapefruit oil, jasmine oil, juniper oil, lime oil,mandarin oil, marjoram oil, myrrh oil, neroli oil, patchouli oil, pepperoil, black pepper oil, petitgrain oil, pine oil, rose otto oil,spearmint oil, spikenard oil, vetiver oil, or ylang ylang. Otheressential oils known to those of skill in the art are also contemplatedas being useful within the context of the present invention (e.g.,International Cosmetic Ingredient Dictionary, 10th edition, 2004, whichis incorporated by reference). Also included in this class of essentialoils are the key chemical components of the plant oils that have beenfound to provide the antimicrobial benefit (e.g. phenolic compounds).

The phenolic compounds of natural origin as used in the presentinvention can be synthetically made by known methods within the capacityof a skilled technician, or can be obtained from plant oil extracts. Inan embodiment of the present invention, the phenolic compounds ofnatural origin are obtained from plant extracts. In a further embodimentof the present invention, the phenolic compounds of natural origin arecommercially available. In yet a further embodiment of the presentinvention, the phenolic compounds of natural origin comprise carvacroland thymol.

In an embodiment, the disinfectant formulations of the present inventioncomprise thymol, carvacrol or mixtures thereof. In a further embodiment,the disinfectant formulations of the present invention comprise one ormore natural essential oils enriched in thymol, carvacrol or mixtures ofthymol and carvacrol.

In an embodiment, the disinfectant formulations of the present inventionfurther comprise a surfactant. A surfactant operative herein comprises awater soluble or water dispersible nonionic, anionic, cationic, or anamphoteric compound. In a further embodiment, the disinfectantformulations of the present invention comprise one or more of theconventional anionic surfactants known in the art. A representativelisting of surfactants and properties thereof is detailed in Remington'sPharmaceutical Sciences, 17th edition (Mack Publishing Company).Non-limiting examples of surfactants according to an embodiment of thepresent invention include sodium lauryl sulfate, sorbitan stearate,sorbitan esters, sodium laureth sulfate, sarkosyl, cocamidopropylbetaine (CAPB), sodium lauryl ether sulfonate, alkyl benzene sulfonates,nonylphenol ethoxylate and ether ethoxylate. It is appreciated that oneor more additional surfactants may be included in the disinfectantformulations of the present invention. A surfactant (surface activeagent) is generally intended to refer to a substance which whendissolved in water, or other aqueous system, reduces the surface orinterfacial tension between it and another substance or material. In anembodiment of the present invention, the surfactant aids in thedispersion or emulsification of the essential oils within the aqueouscarrier. According to an embodiment, the dispersion is not necessarilyand homogenous dispersion. The dispersion may necessitate agitationand/or shaking prior to use. According to another embodiment, thedispersion is a homogenous dispersion. In a further embodiment of thepresent invention, the anionic surfactant aids in braking down thestructure of biofilms through denaturation. In yet a further embodimentof the present invention, the surfactant allows for the creation of a“foaming effect” when the disinfectant solution is applied to a surfaceto be treated. The creation of a foam allows for the disinfectantsolutions to remain in contact with the surface to be treated for longerperiods of time. In yet a further embodiment, the surfactant acts as a“wetting” agent. Wetting agents typically reduce the surface tension ofthe water molecules, allowing for a greater spreading of the solutionand a deeper penetration into small crack and crevices of the surface tobe treated.

Phenolic compounds (e.g. carvacrol, thymol) are typically notsufficiently soluble in an aqueous medium. The disinfectant formulationsof the present invention thus typically comprise a solvent. The solventsmay be hydrophilic, hydrophobic or amphiphilic in nature. In anembodiment, the disinfectant formulations of the present inventioncomprise an amphiphilic solvent. Amphiphilic solvents are capable ofsolubilizing the phenolic compounds of natural origin and/or theessential oil(s) in the aqueous carrier. Non-limiting examples ofsolvents according to an embodiment of the present invention includemethanol, ethanol, hexadecane, propylene glycol, propylene glycoln-butyl ether, propylene glycol methyl ether acetate, propylene glycolmethyl ether, dipropylene glycol n-propyl ether, ethylene glycol methylether and hexylene glycol. The addition of a significant amount ofsolvent to the disinfectant solutions of the present invention, allowsfor the solutions to be used at temperatures slightly inferior to 0° C.It is well within the capacity of a skilled technician to determine suchamounts of solvent.

Since the disinfectant formulations are typically prepared on site frommixtures of ingredients in concentrated solution, tap water is used fordilution. Tap water generally has a certain amount of hardness. Sincethe presence of dissolved minerals (e.g. Ca++, Mg++) may adverselyaffect the performance and properties of the disinfectant formulation, asequestering agent is included in the formulation to chelate thedissolved minerals in the form of a water soluble complex. Sequesteringagents are well known in the art. Non-limiting examples include ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) sodium salt, sodium gluconate, sodiumcitrate, trisodium ethylenediamine disuccinate, citric acid, trisodiumNTA, sodium phosphate and sodium choleate. Sequestering agents typicallyprevent the dissolved minerals from binding to the surfactant molecules.Moreover, sequestering agents may remove minerals from the surface to bedisinfected.

In an embodiment, the disinfectant formulations of the present inventioncomprise one or more phenolic compounds of natural origin. In anembodiment of the present invention, the phenolic compounds are selectedfrom the group consisting of thymol and carvacrol. In a furtherembodiment, the disinfectant formulations of the present inventioncomprise carvacrol. In a further embodiment, the disinfectantformulations of the present invention comprise thymol. In a furtherembodiment, the disinfectant formulations of the present inventioncomprise carvacrol and thymol. In a particular embodiment, thedisinfectant formulations of the present invention comprise 0.18% (w/w)thymol.

Phenolic compounds typically have an associated pungent odor severelyimpeding large-scale applications. In an embodiment, the disinfectantformulations of the present invention may thus further comprise one ormore agents having the dual function of further enhancing thedisinfectant properties of the formulations while imparting a morepleasant odor thereto. In yet a further embodiment of the presentinvention, the disinfectant formulations of the present invention mayfurther comprise one or more agents imparting a pleasant odor thereto(fragrance agent). Non-limiting examples of agents imparting a pleasantodor and/or enhancing the disinfectant properties comprise carvacrol,cymene, cineol, eugenol, thymol, menthol, citral and limonene. Furthersuitable examples of such agents are within the capacity of a skilledtechnician.

The disinfectant formulations of the present invention may optionallyinclude a wide range of additional ingredients non-limiting examples ofwhich include colorants and pH adjusting agents. Such additionalingredients are within the capacity of a skilled technician. Thecolorant may be a dye, a pigment, a biological pigment, an ink, a foodcoloring. In embodiments, the colorant may help identifying a surface ashaving been treated with the composition of the present invention.Examples of colorants include but are not limited to FD&C Blue No.1—Brilliant Blue FCF, E133 (blue shade); FD&C Blue No. 2—Indigotine,E132 (indigo shade); FD&C Green No. 3—Fast Green FCF, E143 (turquoiseshade); FD&C Red No. 3—Erythrosine, E127 (pink shade, commonly used inglacé cherries); FD&C Red No. 40—Allura Red AC, E129 (red shade); FD&CYellow No. 5—Tartrazine, E102 (yellow shade); FD&C Yellow No. 6—SunsetYellow FCF, E110 (orange shade); E104: Quinoline Yellow; E122:Carmoisine; E124: Ponceau 4R; E131: Patent Blue V; E142: Green S;Annatto (E160b), a reddish-orange dye made from the seed of the achiote;Betanin (E162) extracted from beets; Butterfly pea, a blue food dye;Caramel coloring (E150a-d), made from caramelized sugar; Chlorophyllin(E140), a green dye made from chlorella algae; Elderberry juice;Lycopene (E160d); Carmine (E120), a red dye derived from the cochinealinsect, Dactylopius coccus; Pandan (Pandanus amaryllifolius), a greenfood coloring; Paprika (E160c), Turmeric (curcuminoids, E100), Saffron(carotenoids, E160a). Preferably the dye is blue.

The colorant may be used in any suitable concentration, for example atconcentrations of about 0.00005% to about 15% w/w, or from about 0.0005%to about 15% w/w, or from about 0.005% to about 15% w/w, or from about0.05% to about 15% w/w, or from about 0.01% to about 15% w/w, or fromabout 0.1 to about 15% w/w, or from about 0.25 to about 15% w/w, or fromabout 0.5% to about 15% w/w, or from about 1% to about 15%, or fromabout 5% to about 15%, or from about 10% to about 15%, about 0.00005% toabout 10% w/w, or from about 0.0005% to about 10% w/w, or from about0.005% to about 10% w/w, or from about 0.05% to about 10% w/w, or fromabout 0.01% to about 10% w/w, or from about 0.1 to about 10% w/w, orfrom about 0.25 to about 10% w/w, or from about 0.5% to about 10% w/w,or from about 1% to about 10%, or from about 5% to about 10%, about0.00005% to about 5% w/w, or from about 0.0005% to about 5% w/w, or fromabout 0.005% to about 5% w/w, or from about 0.01% to about 5% w/w, orfrom about 0.05% to about 5% w/w, or from about 0.1 to about 5% w/w, orfrom about 0.25 to about 5% w/w, or from about 0.5% to about 5% w/w, orfrom about 1% to about 5%, about 0.00005% to about 1% w/w, or from about0.0005% to about 1% w/w, or from about 0.005% to about 1% w/w, or fromabout 0.01% to about 1% w/w, or from about 0.1 to about 1 w/w, or fromabout 0.25 to about 1 w/w, or from about 0.5% to about 1% w/w, about0.00005% to about 0.25% w/w, or from about 0.0005% to about 0.25% w/w,or from about 0.005% to about 0.25% w/w, or from about 0.01% to about0.25% w/w, or from about 0.1 to about 0.25% w/w, or about 0.00005% toabout 0.1% w/w, or from about 0.0005% to about 0.1% w/w, or from about0.005% to about 0.1 % w/w, or from about 0.01% to about 0.1 % w/w, orabout 0.00005% to about 0.1% w/w, or from about 0.0005% to about 0.1%w/w, or from about 0.005% to about 0.1% w/w, or from about 0.01% toabout 0.1% w/w, or about 0.00005% to about 0.01% w/w, or from about0.0005% to about 0.01% w/w, or from about 0.005% to about 0.01% w/w, orfrom about 0.00005% to about 0.005% w/w, or from about 0.0005% to about0.005% w/w.

As used herein, the term “pH adjusting agent” is intended to mean is acompound that will change the pH of a solution of the present inventionby making it more alkaline or acidic, as may be required. Examplesinclude acids, bases, as well as buffering agents.

According to some embodiments, in the first stage of cleaning, theidentify the pollutant to be removed needs to be ascertained. There aretwo basic categories for pollutants: organic and inorganic. Organicpollutants are those based on carbon, such as oils, fats, carbohydrates,proteins, molds, yeasts, and animal waste. Generally, they must beremoved with an alkaline cleaner (pH>7). Inorganic pollutants aresubstances that are not organic (carbon-based), such as deposits oftartar and lime, rust, corrosion and oxidation. These types of foulingare usually removed by an acid cleaner (pH<7). Therefore, the pH of theformulations of the present invention may be from about 1 to about 11,or from about 2 to about 11, or from about 3 to about 11, or from about4 to about 11, or from about 5 to about 11, or from about 6 to about 11,or from about 7 to about 11, or from about 8 to about 11, or from about9 to about 11, or from about 10 to about 11, or from about 1 to about10, or from about 2 to about 10, or from about 3 to about 10, or fromabout 4 to about 10, or from about 5 to about 10, or from about 6 toabout 10, or from about 7 to about 10, or from about 8 to about 10, orfrom about 9 to about 10, or from about 1 to about 9, or from about 2 toabout 9, or from about 3 to about 9, or from about 4 to about 9, or fromabout 5 to about 9, or from about 6 to about 10, or from about 7 toabout 9, or from about 8 to about 9, or from about 1 to about 8, or fromabout 2 to about 8, or from about 3 to about 8, or from about 4 to about8, or from about 5 to about 8, or from about 6 to about 8, or from about7 to about 8, or from about 1 to about 7, or from about 2 to about 7, orfrom about 3 to about 7, or from about 4 to about 7, or from about 5 toabout 7, or from about 6 to about 7, or from about 1 to about 6, or fromabout 2 to about 6, or from about 3 to about 6, or from about 4 to about6, or from about 5 to about 6, or from about 1 to about 5, or from about2 to about 5, or from about 3 to about 5, or from about 4 to about 5, orfrom about 1 to about 4, or from about 2 to about 4, or from about 3 toabout 4, or from about 1 to about 3, or from about 2 to about 3, or fromabout 1 to about 2. Preferably, the pH may be from about 5 to about 6,also preferably, the pH may be from about 8 to 9.

According to an embodiment, the pH adjusting agent is chosen from citricacid, lactic acid, hydrochloric acid, boric acid, acetic acid, sodiumhydroxide, potassium hydroxide, sulfuric acid, calcium carbonate(CaCO₃), ammonium carbonate, ammonium bicarbonate, ammonium citrate,sodium citrate, magnesium carbonate, sodium carbonate, mono, di and/ortrisodium phosphate, mono, di and/or tripotassium phosphate,Tris(hydroxymethyl) aminomethane (TRIS), amino acids and zwitterions,such as glycine, 2-amino-2methyl-1,3-propanediol (AMPD),N-(1,1-Dimethyl-2-hydroxyethyl)-3-amino-2-hydroxypropanesulfonic acid(AMPSO), N-Glycylglycine (Gly-Gly),4-(2-hydroxyethyl)piperazine-1-propanesulfonic acid (EPPS or HEPPS),3-(cyclohexylamino)-1-propanesulfonic acid (CAPS),3-(cyclohexylamino)-2-hydroxy-1-propanesulfonic acid (CAPSO),2-(cyclohexylamino)ethanesulfonic acid (CHES),N,N-bis[2-hydroxyethyl]-2-aminoethanesulphonic acid (BES),(2-[2-hydroxy-1,1-bis(hydroxymethyl)ethylamino] ethanesulphonic acid)(TES), 2-(N-morpholino)ethanesulfonic acid (MES),N-[Tris(hydroxymethyl)methyl]glycine (Tricine);N-Tris(hydroxymethyl)methyl-3-aminopropanesulfonic acid (TAPS) and3-N-Morpholino propanesulfonic acid (MOPS), piperazie-N,N′-bis[2-hydroxypropanesulphonic]acid (POPSO), and combinations thereof.According to a preferred embodiment, the pH adjusting agent is citricacid. According to another preferred embodiment, the pH adjusting agentis lactic acid.

The role of the pH adjusting agent is to adjust the acidity oralkalinity of the composition of the present invention. According to anembodiment, the composition of the present invention may comprise fromabout 0.01% to about 5% (w/w), or from about 0.01% to about 4%, or fromabout 0.01% to about 3%, or from about 0.01% to about 2%, or from about0.01% to about 1%, or from about 0.01% to about 0.75%, or from about0.01% to about 0.5%, or from about 0.01% to about 0.25%, or from about0.01% to about 0.1%, or from about 0.01% to about 0.075%, or from about0.01% to about 0.05%, or from about 0.01% to about 0.025%, or from about0.01% to about 0.02%, or from about 0.01% to about 0.015%, or 0.015% toabout 5% (w/w), or from about 0.015% to about 4%, or from about 0.015%to about 3%, or from about 0.015% to about 2%, or from about 0.015% toabout 1° A, or from about 0.015% to about 0.75%, or from about 0.015% toabout 0.5%, or from about 0.015% to about 0.25%, or from about 0.015% toabout 0.1%, or from about 0.015% to about 0.075%, or from about 0.015%to about 0.05%, or from about 0.015% to about 0.025%, or from about0.015% to about 0.02%, or 0.02% to about 5% (w/w), or from about 0.02%to about 4%, or from about 0.02% to about 3%, or from about 0.02% toabout 2%, or from about 0.02% to about 1° A, or from about 0.02% toabout 0.75%, or from about 0.02% to about 0.5%, or from about 0.02% toabout 0.25%, or from about 0.02% to about 0.1%, or from about 0.02% toabout 0.075%, or from about 0.02% to about 0.05%, or from about 0.02% toabout 0.025%, or 0.025% to about 5% (w/w), or from about 0.025% to about4%, or from about 0.025% to about 3%, or from about 0.025% to about 2%,or from about 0.025% to about 1%, or from about 0.025% to about 0.75%,or from about 0.025% to about 0.5%, or from about 0.025% to about 0.25%,or from about 0.025% to about 0.1%, or from about 0.025% to about0.075%, or from about 0.025% to about 0.05%, or 0.05% to about 5% (w/w),or from about 0.05% to about 4%, or from about 0.05% to about 3%, orfrom about 0.05% to about 2%, or from about 0.05% to about 1° A, or fromabout 0.05% to about 0.75%, or from about 0.05% to about 0.5%, or fromabout 0.05% to about 0.25%, or from about 0.05% to about 0.1%, or fromabout 0.05% to about 0.075%, or 0.075% to about 5% (w/w), or from about0.075% to about 4%, or from about 0.075% to about 3%, or from about0.075% to about 2%, or from about 0.075% to about 1%, or from about0.075% to about 0.75%, or from about 0.075% to about 0.5%, or from about0.075% to about 0.25%, or from about 0.075% to about 0.1%, or 0.1% toabout 5% (w/w), or from about 0.1% to about 4%, or from about 0.1° A toabout 3%, or from about 0.1° A to about 2%, or from about 0.1% to about1%, or from about 0.1% to about 0.75%, or from about 0.1% to about 0.5%,or from about 0.1% to about 0.25%, or 0.25% to about 5% (w/w), or fromabout 0.25% to about 4%, or from about 0.25% to about 3%, or from about0.25% to about 2%, or from about 0.25% to about 1° A, or from about0.25% to about 0.75%, or from about 0.25% to about 0.5%, or 0.5% toabout 5% (w/w), or from about 0.5% to about 4%, or from about 0.5% toabout 3%, or from about 0.5% to about 2%, or from about 0.5% to about 1°A, or from about 0.5% to about 0.75%, or 0.75% to about 5% (w/w), orfrom about 0.75% to about 4%, or from about 0.75% to about 3%, or fromabout 0.75% to about 2%, or from about 0.75% to about 1° A, or 1° A toabout 5% (w/w), or from about 1% to about 4%, or from about 1% to about3%, or from about 1% to about 2%, or 2% to about 5% (w/w), or from about2% to about 4%, or from about 2% to about 3%, or 3% to about 5% (w/w),or from about 3% to about 4%, or 4% to about 5% (w/w) of a pH adjustingagent. The preferred range over which it may be used is from about 1° Ato about 5% (w/w) in concentrated form of the present invention, orabout 0.01% to about 0.05% (w/w).

The disinfectant formulations of the present invention may be appliedonto a surface to be disinfected (i.e. cleaned) by means of a variety ofspraying techniques. In an embodiment, the disinfectant formulations ofthe present invention are applied using a diffuser or a mist blower.Alternatively, the disinfectant formulations of the present inventioncan also be formulated into aerosol formulations. Further means ofapplying the disinfectant solutions of the present invention are withinthe capacity of a skilled technician. The disinfectant formulations ofthe present invention can either be applied directly or can be dilutedprior to application. Due to the substantially non-corrosive nature ofthe disinfectant formulations of the present invention, the formulationscan be readily applied without undue damage to the existing physicalstructure (i.e. surface).

In an embodiment, the disinfectant formulations of the present inventioncomprise one or more essential oils enriched in thymol and/or carvacrol.Thymol and carvacrol are naturally occurring disinfectants which arereadily degraded in the environment. As such, there is little or noaccumulation in the environment or in living organisms, even followingrepeated application of the disinfectant formulations of the presentinvention.

Formulations of the present invention can include any number ofcombinations of ingredients discussed throughout this specification(e.g., phenolic compounds of natural origin, essential oils,surfactants, solvents, sequestering agents, water, etc.). It is alsocontemplated that that the concentrations of the ingredients can vary.In non-limiting embodiments, for example, the formulations may includein their final form, for example, at least about 0.0001%, 0.0002%,0.0003%, 0.0004%, 0.0005%, 0.0006%, 0.0007%, 0.0008%, 0.0009%, 0.0010%,0.0011%, 0.0012%, 0.0013%, 0.0014%, 0.0015%, 0.0016%, 0.0017%, 0.0018%,0.0019%, 0.0020%, 0.0021%, 0.0022%, 0.0023%, 0.0024%, 0.0025%, 0.0026%,0.0027%, 0.0028%, 0.0029%, 0.0030%, 0.0031%, 0.0032%, 0.0033%, 0.0034%,0.0035%, 0.0036%, 0.0037%, 0.0038%, 0.0039%, 0.0040%, 0.0041%, 0.0042%,0.0043%, 0.0044%, 0.0045%, 0.0046%, 0.0047%, 0.0048%, 0.0049%, 0.0050%,0.0051%, 0.0052%, 0.0053%, 0.0054%, 0.0055%, 0.0056%, 0.0057%, 0.0058%,0.0059%, 0.0060%, 0.0061%, 0.0062%, 0.0063%, 0.0064%, 0.0065%, 0.0066%,0.0067%, 0.0068%, 0.0069%, 0.0070%, 0.0071%, 0.0072%, 0.0073%, 0.0074%,0.0075%, 0.0076%, 0.0077%, 0.0078%, 0.0079%, 0.0080%, 0.0081%, 0.0082%,0.0083%, 0.0084%, 0.0085%, 0.0086%, 0.0087%, 0.0088%, 0.0089%, 0.0090%,0.0091%, 0.0092%, 0.0093%, 0.0094%, 0.0095%, 0.0096%, 0.0097%, 0.0098%,0.0099%, 0.0100%, 0.0200%, 0.0250%, 0.0275%, 0.0300%, 0.0325%, 0.0350%,0.0375%, 0.0400%, 0.0425%, 0.0450%, 0.0475%, 0.0500%, 0.0525%, 0.0550%,0.0575%, 0.0600%, 0.0625%, 0.0650%, 0.0675%, 0.0700%, 0.0725%, 0.0750%,0.0775%, 0.0800%, 0.0825%, 0.0850%, 0.0875%, 0.0900%, 0.0925%, 0.0950%,0.0975%, 0.1000%, 0.1250%, 0.1500%, 0.1750%, 0.2000%, 0.2250%, 0.2500%,0.2750%, 0.3000%, 0.3250%, 0.3500%, 0.3750%, 0.4000%, 0.4250%, 0.4500%,0.4750%, 0.5000%, 0.5250%, 0.0550%, 0.5750%, 0.6000%, 0.6250%, 0.6500%,0.6750%, 0.7000%, 0.7250%, 0.7500%, 0.7750%, 0.8000%, 0.8250%, 0.8500%,0.8750%, 0.9000%, 0.9250%, 0.9500%, 0.9750%, 1.0%, 1.1%, 1.2%, 1.3%,1.4%, 1.5%, 1.6%, 1.7%, 1.8%, 1.9%, 2.0%, 2.1%, 2.2%, 2.3%, 2.4%, 2.5%,2.6%, 2.7%, 2.8%, 2.9%, 3.0%, 3.1%, 3.2%, 3.3%, 3.4%, 3.5%, 3.6%, 3.7%,3.8%, 3.9%, 4.0%, 4.1%, 4.2%, 4.3%, 4.4%, 4.5%, 4.6%, 4.7%, 4.8%, 4.9%,5.0%, 5.1%, 5.2%, 5.3%, 5.4%, 5.5%, 5.6%, 5.7%, 5.8%, 5.9%, 6.0%, 6.1%,6.2%, 6.3%, 6.4%, 6.5%, 6.6%, 6.7%, 6.8%, 6.9%, 7.0%, 7.1%, 7.2%, 7.3%,7.4%, 7.5%, 7.6%, 7.7%, 7.8%, 7.9%, 8.0%, 8.1%, 8.2%, 8.3%, 8.4%, 8.5%,8.6%, 8.7%, 8.8%, 8.9%, 9.0%, 9.1%, 9.2%, 9.3%, 9.4%, 9.5%, 9.6%, 9.7%,9.8%, 9.9%, 10%, 11%, 12%, 13%, 14%, 15%, 16%, 17%, 18%, 19%, 20%, 21%,22%, 23%, 24%, 25%, 26%, 27%, 28%, 29%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 60%,65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, or 99% or more, or any range orinteger derivable therein, of at least one of the ingredients mentionedthroughout the specification and/or claims. In non-limiting aspects, thepercentage can be calculated by weight or volume of the totalcomposition. A person of ordinary skill in the art would understand thatthe concentrations can vary depending on the desired effect of theformulation and/or on the product into which the formulation isincorporated into.

EXPERIMENTAL

Disinfectant Solutions

Chemical and Physical Characteristics of the Disinfectant Solutions

The sequestering agent (sodium citrate) was first dissolved in apredetermined amount of water and stirred until dissolution. Glycolether PM (solvent), thymol, origanum oil and optionally citral(fragrance) were then added and stirred until dissolution. Surfactant(Sodium Lauryl Sulfate) and additional water were then added and stirreduntil dissolution to provide a 100 wt. % formulation. The finalformulation was stirred until a homogeneous solution was obtained.Formulation 1, obtained from Formulation 2 by means of dilution withwater (1:100), is considered a “ready to use” formulation.

Thymol Origanum Crystal Oil/Citral Sequestrant Surfactant Solvent pH A0.18 0.04 0.01 0.12 — 6.9 B 0.18 0.04 0.01 — 0.18 6.7 C 0.18 0.04 — 0.120.18 6.5 1 0.18 0.04 0.01 0.12 0.18 6.5 D 18 4 1 12 — 8.1 E 18 4 1 — 187.9 2 18 4 1 12 18 8.8 3 0.18 0.03 0.09 0.12 0.76 8.0 4 6 1 3 4 25 8.2Solubility Foaming Foaming Effect in in Water Stability Effect HardWater A NO NO YES YES B NO NO NO YES C YES YES YES NO 1 YES YES YES YESD NO NO YES n/a E NO NO NO n/a 2 YES YES YES n/a 3 YES YES YES YES 4 YESYES YES n/a n/a: Not applicable this formula requires dilution beforeuse

As illustrated hereinabove, the formulations are first formulated as a“concentrate” (Formulations 2 and 4), dilution of which provides for thepreparation of Formulations 1 and 3. Formulations A, B, C, D, E, 1 and 2comprise Origanum Oil/Citral (3:1). Formulations 3 and 4 do not compriseany fragrance (citral). The formulations have a pH ranging from about 6to about 9. Dilution using hard water did not affect the characteristicsof the formulation which is indicative of the efficacy of thesequestering agent.

Biological Efficacy of Selected Phenolic Compounds and Essential Oils

The minimum concentration at which a total antimicrobial activity couldbe observed was determined for selected phenolic compounds of naturalorigin and selected essential oils using the AOAC method 955.15 (“PhenolCoefficient Method”) with minor modifications. The results areindicative of the excellent antimicrobial activity of both thymol andcarvacrol.

Minimal Concentration Antimicrobial Agent (v/v %) Thymol  0.07 Carvacrol 0.07 Eugenol 0.4 Citral >1% Thyme oil 0.3 Origanum oil 0.2 Eucalyptusoil >1% Lemon oil >1%

Different concentrations of essential oils and phenolic compounds ofnatural origin were incorporated into composition F (see table hereinbelow) and inoculated with a 0.05% bacterial suspension ofStaphylococcus aureus (ATCC 6538; concentration of about 8 logs). Aftera contact time of 10 minutes, 0.1 ml of the inoculated solution wastransferred to a broth culture with neutralizing (Difco 268110) andincubated over a period of 72 hours at 37° C. The presence of turbidityin the broth culture is indicative of the survival of the microorganism.

Quantitative Microbial Reduction Assay

The antimicrobial activity for selected formulations of the presentinvention was determined. Several formulations comprising a phenoliccompound of natural origin or an essential oil (0.18%) were tested todetermine their effectiveness in reducing the load of Staphylococcusaureus (ATCC 6538). The solutions were prepared from a concentrate anddiluted with water (1:100). The results are indicative of the highefficiency of Formulations 5, 6 and 7 in reducing the load ofStaphylococcus aureus.

Antimicrobial Sequestrant Surfactant Solvent Log Agent (w/w) (w/w) (w/w)(w/w) Reduction F — 0.01 0.12 0.18 0.60 5 Thymol 0.01 0.12 0.18 7.63 6Carvacrol 0.01 0.12 0.18 7.63 G Eugenol 0.01 0.12 0.18 2.50 H Citral0.01 0.12 0.18 2.04 I Thyme oil 0.01 0.12 0.18 3.06 7 Origanum oil 0.010.12 0.18 7.63 J Eucalyptus oil 0.01 0.12 0.18 0.71 K Lemon oil 0.010.12 0.18 0.64

Different formulations of the present invention were inoculated with0.05% of a bacterial culture of Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 6538)freshly incubated over a period of 48 hours at 37° C. in an optimalgrowth medium. After a contact time of 10 minutes, 0.1 ml of theinoculated solution was seeded at different dilutions on TSA agar (Difco255320) with neutralizing to determine the residual microbial load. Thelog reduction was determined by calculating the logarithm of theresidual charge obtained with the reference formulation (i.e. water) andcomparing it with the residual charge obtained using any of theformulations comprising either a phenolic compound or an essential oil.

Biological Efficacy of Formulation 1 on Selected Microorganisms

The disinfectant formulations of the present invention exhibit a broadspectrum of activity on a variety of microorganisms. As shownhereinbelow, the efficacy of Formulation 1 against a variety ofmicroorganisms was determined.

Standard Group of Activity Method Microorganisms Microorganism 1Bactericidal AOAC¹ Bacteria Gram− Salmonella Pass (Dilution Test)cholerasuis Bacteria Gram+ Staphylococcus Pass aureus Fungicide AOACFungus Trichophyton Pass Fungicidal mentagrophytes Activity TestVirucidal ASTM² Virus Influenza A Pass Efficacy of Virucidal Agents¹Association of Analytical Communities, ²American Society for Testingand Materials

Toxicity of the Disinfectant Formulations

Toxicity tests (LD₅₀) were performed on selected ingredients of thedisinfectant formulations of the present invention. Formulation 1 wasdetermined as having a LD₅₀ of >15 g/Kg (substantially non-toxic).

Ingredient LD₅₀ Oral-rat Specification Thymol  980 mg/kg USP, FCCOriganum oil 1850 mg/kg USP, FCC Citral 4960 mg/kg Oxford UniversitySodium Citrate  >8 g/kg USP, FCC Sodium Lauryl Sulfate 1288 mg/kg USP,FCC Glycol Ether PM 5 210 mg/kg  WHMIS

Demonstration that all Types of Surfactants can be used in theDisinfectant Formulation of the Present Invention

Surfactants can be grouped by the charge characteristics of their polarhead groups. The four groups are:

-   1. Anionic: Negative charge on the polar head group. These include    surfactants like sulfates, sulfonic acids and carboxylic acids.-   2. Cationic: Positive charge on the polar head group. These include    surfactants like amines and Quaternized Ammonium Compounds (Quats).-   3. Amphoteric: Can have both positive and negative charge. Primarily    used as secondary surfactants. These include betaines and    imidazolium compounds.-   4. Non-ionic: No specific charge. By far the most frequently used    surfactants. These include alcohols, alkanolam ides, esters and    amine oxides.

The antimicrobial efficacy of the compositions of the present inventionis evaluated with all types of surfactants. The different compositionstested differ only for the surfactant. All compositions are based on thegeneral formula presented in Table 1. The different surfactants testedare presented in Table 2. The surfactants were tested at a concentrationof 0.12% (w/w) and or/0.35% (w/w).

TABLE 1 General formula of compositions 1 to 68 Ingredient % (w/w)Thymol 0.23 Surfactant 0.12-0.35 Solvent 0.9  Sequestrant 0.09 WaterQ.S.

TABLE 2 Surfactants tested in compositions 1 to 68 # Type Chemical groupINCI Name # CAS 1 Anionic Alpha Sulfo Methyl Sodium Methyl2-Sulfolaurate 149458-07-1 Ester (and) Disodium 2-Sulfolaurate 2 AnionicDiphenyl Oxide Sodium Dodecyl Diphenyl 119345-04-9 Disulfonate EtherDisulfonate 3 Anionic Diphenyl Oxide Sodium Decyl Diphenyl Oxide36445-71-3 Disulfonate Disulfonate 4 Anionic Dodecylbenzene Sodium68081-81-2 Sulfonic Acid & Salts Dodecylbenzenesulfonate 5 AnionicDodecylbenzene Dodecylbenzene Sulfonic 68584-22-5 Sulfonic Acid & SaltsAcid 6 Anionic ether carboxylate Capryleth-9 carboxylic acid/ 53563-70-5and hexeth-4 carboxylic acid 105391-15-9 7 Anionic ether carboxylateGlycolic Acid Ethoxylate Lauryl 27306-90-7 Ether 8 Anionic IsethionateSodium Cocoyl Isethionate 61789-32-0 9 Anionic Lauryl Ether SulfatesSodium lauryl ether sulfate 9004-82-4 10 Anionic Lauryl Sulfates SodiumLauryl Sulfate 151-21-3 11 Anionic Lauryl Sulfates TriethanolamineLauryl 90583-18-9 Sulfate 12 Anionic Lauryl Sulfates Magnesium LaurylSulfate 3097-08-3 13 Anionic Phosphate Esters Nonoxynol-10 Phosphate51609-41-7 14 Anionic Phosphate Esters Deceth 4 Phosphate 68921-24-4 15Anionic Phophanates Amino tri (methylene 20592-85-2 phosphonic acid)pentasodium salt, Na5ATMP 16 Anionic Phophanates1-Hydroxyethylidene-1,1,- 2809-21-4 diphosphonic acid 17 AnionicSarcosinate Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate 137-16-6 18 AnionicSulfosuccinates Disodium Laureth 68815-56-5 Sulfosuccinate 19 AnionicXylene Sulfonates Sodium Xylene Sulfonate 1300-72-7 20 Cationic AmineOxides Lauramine Oxide 1643-20-5 21 Cationic Amine OxidesCocamidopropylamine Oxide 68155-09-9 22 Cationic Amine OxidesLauryl/Myristyl amidopropyl 61792-31-2 and amine oxide 67806-10-4 23Cationic Amine Oxides tallow amine + 2 EO 61791-46-6 24 Cationic AmineOxides Myristamine Oxide 3332-27-2 25 Cationic Onium compound Soyethylmorpholinium 61791-34-2 ethosulfate 26 Cationic QuaternizedDioleyloylethyl 94095-35-9 Ammonium Compound hydroxyethylmoniummethosulfate 27 Cationic Quaternized Quaternium 18 (Distearyl 61789-80-8Ammonium Compound Dimethyl Ammonium Chloride) 28 Cationic QuaternizedAlkyl Dimethyl Benzyl 68424-85-1 Ammonium Compound Ammonium Chloride 29Cationic Quaternized Quaternium 12 (Didecyl 7173-51-5 Ammonium CompoundDimethyl Ammonium Chloride) 30 Cationic Quaternized Dialkyl dimethylammonium 68424-95-3 Ammonium Compound chloride 31 Amphoteric BetaineCocamidopropyl Betaine 61789-40-0 32 Amphoteric Betaine Cetyl Betaine693-33-4 and 683-10-3 33 Amphoteric Betaine Lauramidopropyl Betaine4292-10-8 34 Amphoteric Imidazolium Disodium 68604-71-7 compoundCocoamphodipropionate 35 Amphoteric Imidazolium Disodium 68650-39-5compound Cocoamphodiacetate 36 Amphoteric Imidazolium SodiumCocoamphoacetate 68608-65-1 compound 37 Amphoteric Sultaine LaurylHydroxysultaine 13197-76-7 38 Nonionic Alcohol Ethoxylates Linearalcohol (C11) 34398-01-1 ethoxylate, POE-7 39 Nonionic AlcoholEthoxylates Linear alcohol (C9-11) 68439-46-3 ethoxylate, POE-2.5 40Nonionic Alcohol Ethoxylates Lauryl alcohol ethoxylate, 9002-92-0 POE-841 Nonionic Alcohol Ethoxylates Secondary Alcohol 84133-50-7 Ethoxylates42 Nonionic Alkanolamides Trideceth-2 Carboxamide 107628-04-6 MEA 43Nonionic Alkanolamides PEG-4 Rapeseedamide 85536-23-8 44 NonionicAlkanolamides PEG 5 Cocamide 68425-44-5 45 Nonionic AlkanolamidesCocamide DEA 68603-42-9 46 Nonionic Alkanolamides Lauramide MEA 142-78-947 Nonionic Alkanolamides Cocamide MEA 68140-00-1 48 NonionicAlkanolamides Lauramide DEA 120-40-1 49 Nonionic Alkanolamides OleamideDEA 93-83-4 50 Nonionic Alkyl polyglycosides Caprylyl/Myristyl Glucosid68515-73-1 and 110615-47-9 51 Nonionic Alkyl polyglycosidesLauryl/Myristyl Glucosid 110615-47-9 52 Nonionic Alkyl polyglycosidesCaprylyl/Decyl Glucoside 68515-73-1 53 Nonionic AmideN,N-Dimethyldecanamide 14433-76-2 54 Nonionic Biosurfactant Sophorolipid— 55 Nonionic Esters Isopropyl Myristate 110-27-0 56 Nonionic EstersIsopropyl Palmitate 142-91-6 57 Nonionic Fatty acid, naturalGlycereth-17 Cocoate 68201-46-7 origin 58 Nonionic Fatty acid, naturalGlycereth-6 Cocoate 68201-46-7 origin 59 Nonionic Fatty acid, naturalPEG/PPG-6/2 Glyceryl 72245-11-5 origin cocoate 60 Nonionic Fatty AlcoholCetostearyl Alcohol 67762-27-0 61 Nonionic Fatty Amine PEG 2 Cocamine61791-14-8 Ethoxylate 62 Nonionic Fatty Amine PEG 2 Tallow Amine61791-26-2 Ethoxylate 63 Nonionic Glycerol ester Glycereth-7 36145938-3Caprylate/Caprate 64 Nonionic Glycerol ester caprylic/caprictriglyceride 73398-61-5 65 Nonionic Glycerol ester Glyceryl oleate37220-82-9 66 Nonionic Glycerol ester Glyceryl stearate 123-94-4 67Nonionic Lactate Lauryl Lactyl Lactate 910661-93-7 68 Nonionic SorbitanEster Polysorbate 80 9005-65-6

Antimicrobial Efficacy Test

0.1 mL of bacterial culture containing Staphylococcus aureus isinoculated in a tube containing 10 mL of a given composition. Thecontent of the tube is then mixed and left to stand for 2 minutes (the“contact time”). After 2 minutes, 0.01 mL of tube content is transferredto a tube containing 9 mL of a neutralizing bacterial culture media(Letheen Broth) that stops the antimicrobial action of the compositionand allows microbial growth. Tubes are then checked for presence ofmicrobial growth after 72 h. For each antimicrobial efficacy test, theplating of positive controls followed by colony counting was done toestablish the log reduction of S. aureus as a result of 2 minutescontact with compositions 1-68. If no growth is observed in the testedtube, the composition is considered to kill at least the bacterial loadof the positive control.

Table 3 presents the results of the efficacy tests for compositions1-68. The Log reduction of S. aureus is indicated for each composition.Each composition is formulated with the different surfactants at aconcentration of 0.12 and/or 0.35% weight.

TABLE 3 Antimicrobial efficacy results against Staphylococcus aureus.Surfactant at 0.35% (w/w) Surfactant at 0.12% (w/w) Composition Logreduction Log reduction Anionic 1 >7.98 >5.84 2 >5.04 >5.84 3 >5.04 N/A4 >7.98 N/A 5 >5.51 >5.64 6 >5.76 >5.64 7 >5.76 >5.64 8 >5.76 >5.649 >7.98 >5.84 10 >7.98 >5.84 11 >5.04 >5.64 12 >5.04 >5.6413 >5.04 >5.64 14 >5.04 >5.64 15 >7.98 N/A 16 >7.98 >5.84 17 >7.98 N/A18 >5.04 >5.64 19 >5.04 >5.64 Cationic 20 >4.43 N/A 21 >4.43 >5.6422 >5.72 >5.64 23 >4.43 >5.64 24 N/A N/A 25 >7.98 N/A 26 >5.76 >5.64 27N/A >5.64 28 >5.04 >5.64 29 >5.04 >5.64 30 >7.98 >5.84 Amphoteric31 >5.72 >5.64 32 >4.43 >5.64 33 >5.04 >5.64 34 >5.04 >5.8435 >5.04 >5.64 36 >5.04 >5.64 37 >5.76 >5.64 Non-ionic 38 >4.43 >5.6439 >5.76 N/A 40 N/A >5.64 41 N/A >5.64 42 N/A >5.64 43 >4.43 >5.8444 >4.43 N/A 45 >7.98 >5.84 46 >5.04 >5.64 47 >4.43 >5.64 48 N/A >5.6449 >4.43 >5.64 50 >7.98 >5.84 51 >7.98 >5.84 52 >7.98 N/A 53 N/A >5.6454 >6.43 >5.64 55 N/A >5.64 56 N/A >5.84 57 >4.43 N/A 58 >5.76 >5.6459 >4.43 >5.64 60 >4.43 >5.64 61 >5.51 >5.64 62 N/A >5.64 63 >5.76 >5.6464 >4.43 >5.64 65 >7.98 >5.84 66 N/A >5.64 67 >5.76 >5.64 68 >4.43 >5.64

CONCLUSIONS

Each type of surfactants (anionic, cationic, amphoteric and non-ionic)was tested in the disinfectant formulation of the present invention.Compositions 1-68 covered the different types of surfactants, but alsothe most common chemical groups of surfactants available on the market.The composition of the present invention therefore can be formulatedwith any surfactant, while maintaining the antimicrobial efficacy.

From the results found in Table 3, it is clear that compositions 1-68 ofthe present invention maintain antimicrobial efficacy with a contacttime of 2 minutes.

pH Adjusting Agent Containing Compositions

Composition of the present invention containing pH adjusting agents areprepared according to the amounts listed below:

Lactic acid Compositions Ingredient (% w/w) LA 1 LA 2 LA 3 LA 4 LA 5Thymol 23 23 23 23 23 Surfactant 12 11.7 11.4 11.1 10.8 Solvant 36 36 3636 36 Lactic acid solution ≥ 85% 1 2 3 4 5 Water QS QS QS QS QS pH 3.923.6 3.41 3.24 3.18 pH 1:100 dilution in water 5.93 4.2 3.7 3.39 3.34

Citric acid Compositions Ingredient (% w/w) CA1 CA2 CA3 CA4 CA5 Thymol23 23 23 23 23 Surfactant 12 11.7 11.4 11.1 10.8 Solvant 36 36 36 36 36Citric acid solution ≥ 99.5% 1 2 3 4 5 Water QS QS QS QS QS pH 3.34 3.002.81 2.64 2.50 pH 1:100 dilution in water 5.46 4.19 3.60 3.20 3.16

It is to be understood that the invention is not limited in itsapplication to the details of construction and parts as describedhereinabove. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of beingpracticed in various ways. It is also understood that the phraseology orterminology used herein is for the purpose of description and notlimitation. Hence, although the present invention has been describedhereinabove by way of illustrative embodiments thereof, it can bemodified, without departing from the spirit, scope and nature of thesubject invention as defined in the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An aqueous disinfectant formulation comprising:a) from about 0.05% to about 25% weight of at least one antimicrobialisolated or synthetic phenolic compound of natural origin selected fromthe group consisting of thymol and carvacrol; b) from about 0.1% toabout 15% weight of an anionic, a cationic, an amphoteric, an non-ionicsurfactant, or combinations thereof, in an amount sufficient to form asolution or dispersion of said phenolic compound in an aqueous carrier;c) from about 0.1% to about 40% weight of a solvent; d) from about 0.01%to about 10% weight of a sequestering agent selected from the groupconsisting of ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA), sodiumgluconate, citric acid, sodium citrate, trisodium NTA, trisodiumethylene disuccinate, sodium choleate, and a combination thereof; e)sufficient water to make 100 weight percent.
 2. The aqueous disinfectantformulation of claim 1, wherein said formulation comprises: a) fromabout 5% to about 25% weight percent of said phenolic compound; b) fromabout 5% to about 15% weight percent of said surfactant; c) from about5% to about 35% weight of said solvent; d) from about 1% to about 5%weight percent of said sequestering agent; and e) sufficient water tomake 100 weight percent.
 3. The aqueous disinfectant formulation ofclaim 1, wherein said formulation comprises: a) from about 15% to about25% weight of said phenolic compound; b) from about 10% to about 15%weight of said surfactant; c) from about 15% to about 30% weight of saidsolvent; d) from about 1% to about 3% weight of said sequestering agent;and e) sufficient water to make 100 weight percent.
 4. The aqueousdisinfectant formulation of claim 1, wherein said anionic, cationic,amphoteric, non-ionic surfactant is selected from the group consistingof an alpha Sulfo methyl ester surfactant, a diphenyl oxide disulfonatesurfactant, a dodecylbenzene sulfonic acid surfactant, a dodecylbenzenesulfonic salt surfactant, an ether carboxylate surfactant, anisethionate surfactant, a lauryl ether sulphate surfactant, a laurylsulphate surfactant, a phosphate ester surfactant, a phophanatesurfactant, a sarcosinate surfactant, a sulfosuccinate surfactant, axylene sulfonate surfactant, an amine oxide surfactant, an oniumcompound, a quaternized ammonium compound, a betaine surfactant, animidazolium compound, a sultaine surfactant, an alcohol ethoxylatesurfactant, an alkanolamide surfactant, an alkyl polyglycosidesurfactant, an amide surfactant, a biosurfactant, an ester surfactant, afatty acid of natural origin surfactant, a fatty alcohol surfactant, afatty amine ethoxylate surfactant, a glycerol ester surfactant, alactate surfactant, a sorbitan ester surfactant.
 5. The aqueousdisinfectant formulation of claim 1, wherein said anionic, cationic,amphoteric, non-ionic surfactant is selected from the group consistingof sodium lauryl sulphate, sodium methyl 2-sulfolaurate, disodium2-sulfolaurate, sodium dodecyl diphenyl ether disulfonate, sodium decyldiphenyl oxide disulfonate, sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate,dodecylbenzene sulfonic acid, capryleth-9 carboxylic acid, hexeth-4carboxylic acid, glycolic acid ethoxylate lauryl ether, sodium cocoylisethionate, sodium lauryl ether sulfate, sodium lauryl sulfate,triethanolamine lauryl sulfate, magnesium lauryl sulfate, nonoxynol 10phosphate, deceth 4 phosphate, amino tri (methylene phosphonic acid)pentasodium salt (Na5ATMP), 1-Hydroxyethylidene-1,1,-diphosphonic acid(HEDP), sodium lauroyl sarcosinate, sisodium laureth sulfosuccinate,sodium xylene sulfonate, lauramine oxide, cocamidopropylamine oxide,lauryl amidopropyl amine oxide, myristyl amidopropyl amine oxide, tallowamine (2 EO), soyethyl morpholinium ethosulfate, dioleyloylethylhydroxyethylmonium methosulfate, quaternium 18 (distearyl dimethylammonium chloride), alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride, quaternium12 (didecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride), dialkyl dimethyl ammoniumchloride, cocamidopropyl betaine, cetyl betaine, lauramidopropylbetaine, disodium cocoamphodipropionate, disodium cocoamphodiacetate,sodium cocoamphoacetate, lauryl hydroxysultaine, linear alcohol (C₁₁)ethoxylate-POE—7, linear alcohol (Ch₉₋₁₁) ethoxylate—POE-2.5, laurylalcohol ethoxylate—POE-8, secondary alcohol ethoxylates, trideceth-2carboxamide MEA, PEG-4 Rapeseed amide, PEG 5 Cocamide, cocamide DEA,lauramide MEA, cocamide MEA, lauramide DEA, oleamide DEA, caprylylglucoside, myristyl glucoside, lauryl glucoside, myristyl glucoside,caprylyl glucoside, decyl glucoside, N,N-dimethyldecanamide,sophorolipid, isopropyl myristate, sopropyl palmitate, glycereth-17cocoate, glycereth-6 cocoate, PEG/PPG-6/2 glyceryl cocoate, cetostearylalcohol, PEG 2 cocamine, PEG 2 tallow Amine, glycereth-7 caprylate,glycereth-7 caprate, caprylic triglyceride, capric triglyceride,glyceryl oleate, glyceryl stearate, lauryl lactyl lactate, polysorbate80 and combinations thereof.
 6. The aqueous disinfectant formulation ofclaim 1, comprising a pH ranging from about 6 to about
 9. 7. A method ofusing the disinfectant formulation of claim 1, comprising the step ofdiluting the disinfectant formulation with water.
 8. A method ofdisinfecting a surface comprising applying the disinfectant formulationof claim 1 to a surface in need of disinfecting.
 9. An aqueousdisinfectant formulation comprising: a) from about 0.05% to about 25%weight of at least one antimicrobial isolated or synthetic phenoliccompound of natural origin selected from the group consisting of thymoland carvacrol; b) from about 0.1% to about 15% weight of an anionic, acationic, an amphoteric, an non-ionic surfactant, or combinationsthereof, in an amount sufficient to form a solution or dispersion ofsaid phenolic compound in an aqueous carrier; c) from about 0.1% toabout 40% weight of a solvent; d) from about 0.01% to about 10% weightof a sequestering agent selected from the group consisting of ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA), sodium gluconate, citric acid, sodiumcitrate, trisodium NTA, trisodium ethylene disuccinate, sodium choleate,and a combination thereof; at least one of e) and h) e) from about 0% toabout 4% weight of an essential oil selected from the group consistingof origanum oil, thyme oil, and eucalyptus oil; f) from about 0% toabout 1.5% weight of a fragrance; g) from about 0.00005% to about 15%weight of a colorant; h) from about 0.01% to about 5% weight of a pHadjusting agent; and i) sufficient water to make 100 weight percent. 10.The aqueous disinfectant formulation of claim 9, wherein saidformulation comprises: a) from about 5% to about 25% weight of saidphenolic compound; b) from about 5% to about 15% weight of saidsurfactant; c) from about 5% to about 35% weight of said solvent; d)from about 1% to about 5% weight of said sequestering agent; at leastone of e) and h) e) from about 0.04% to about 4% weight of saidessential oil; f) from about 0.04% to about 1.5% weight of saidfragrance; g) from about 0.05% to about 15% weight of said colorant; andh) from about 1% to about 5% weight of said pH adjusting agent; and i)sufficient water to make 100 weight percent.
 11. The aqueousdisinfectant formulation of claim 9, wherein said formulation comprises:a) from about 15% to about 25% weight of said phenolic compound; b) fromabout 10% to about 15% weight of said surfactant; and c) from about 15%to about 30% weight of said solvent; d) from about 1% to about 3% weightof said sequestering agent; at least one of e) and h) e) from about0.04% to about 4% weight of said essential oil; f) from about 0.04% toabout 1.5% weight of said fragrance; g) from about 0.1% to about 15%weight of said colorant; h) from about 1% to about 5% weight of said pHadjusting agent; and i) sufficient water to make 100 weight percent. 12.The aqueous disinfectant formulation of claim 9, wherein said anionic,cationic, amphoteric, non-ionic surfactant is selected from the groupconsisting of an alpha Sulfo methyl ester surfactant, a diphenyl oxidedisulfonate surfactant, a dodecylbenzene sulfonic acid surfactant, adodecylbenzene sulfonic salt surfactant, an ether carboxylatesurfactant, an isethionate surfactant, a lauryl ether sulphatesurfactant, a lauryl sulphate surfactant, a phosphate ester surfactant,a phophanate surfactant, a sarcosinate surfactant, a sulfosuccinatesurfactant, a xylene sulfonate surfactant, an amine oxide surfactant, anonium compound, a quaternized ammonium compound, a betaine surfactant,an imidazolium compound, a sultaine surfactant, an alcohol ethoxylatesurfactant, an alkanolamide surfactant, an alkyl polyglycosidesurfactant, an amide surfactant, a biosurfactant, an ester surfactant, afatty acid of natural origin surfactant, a fatty alcohol surfactant, afatty amine ethoxylate surfactant, a glycerol ester surfactant, alactate surfactant, a sorbitan ester surfactant.
 13. The aqueousdisinfectant formulation of claim 9, wherein said anionic, cationic,amphoteric, non-ionic surfactant is selected from the group consistingof sodium lauryl sulphate, sodium methyl 2-sulfolaurate, disodium2-sulfolaurate, sodium dodecyl diphenyl ether disulfonate, sodium decyldiphenyl oxide disulfonate, sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate,dodecylbenzene sulfonic acid, capryleth-9 carboxylic acid, hexeth-4carboxylic acid, glycolic acid ethoxylate lauryl ether, sodium cocoylisethionate, sodium lauryl ether sulfate, sodium lauryl sulfate,triethanolamine lauryl sulfate, magnesium lauryl sulfate, nonoxynol 10phosphate, deceth 4 phosphate, amino tri (methylene phosphonic acid)pentasodium salt (Na5ATMP), 1-Hydroxyethylidene-1,1,-diphosphonic acid(HEDP), sodium lauroyl sarcosinate, sisodium laureth sulfosuccinate,sodium xylene sulfonate, lauramine oxide, cocamidopropylamine oxide,lauryl amidopropyl amine oxide, myristyl amidopropyl amine oxide, tallowamine (2 EO), soyethyl morpholinium ethosulfate, dioleyloylethylhydroxyethylmonium methosulfate, quaternium 18 (distearyl dimethylammonium chloride), alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride, quaternium12 (didecyl dimethyl ammonium chloride), dialkyl dimethyl ammoniumchloride, cocamidopropyl betaine, cetyl betaine, lauramidopropylbetaine, disodium cocoamphodipropionate, disodium cocoamphodiacetate,sodium cocoamphoacetate, lauryl hydroxysultaine, linear alcohol (C₁₁)ethoxylate-POE-7, linear alcohol (C₉₋₁₁) ethoxylate—POE-2.5, laurylalcohol ethoxylate—POE-8, secondary alcohol ethoxylates, trideceth-2carboxamide MEA, PEG-4 Rapeseed amide, PEG 5 Cocamide, cocamide DEA,lauramide MEA, cocamide MEA, lauramide DEA, oleamide DEA, caprylylglucoside, myristyl glucoside, lauryl glucoside, myristyl glucoside,caprylyl glucoside, decyl glucoside, N,N-dimethyldecanamide,sophorolipid, isopropyl myristate, sopropyl palmitate, glycereth-17cocoate, glycereth-6 cocoate, PEG/PPG-6/2 glyceryl cocoate, cetostearylalcohol, PEG 2 cocamine, PEG 2 tallow Amine, glycereth-7 caprylate,glycereth-7 caprate, caprylic triglyceride, capric triglyceride,glyceryl oleate, glyceryl stearate, lauryl lactyl lactate, polysorbate80 and combinations thereof.
 14. The aqueous disinfectant formulation ofclaim 9, comprising a pH ranging from about 6 to about
 9. 15. A methodof using the disinfectant formulation of claim 9, comprising the step ofdiluting the disinfectant formulation with water.
 16. A method ofdisinfecting a surface comprising applying the disinfectant formulationof claim 9 to a surface in need of disinfecting.
 17. The aqueousdisinfectant formulation of claim 1, comprising a pH ranging from about1 to about
 6. 18. The aqueous disinfectant formulation of claim 9,comprising a pH ranging from about 1 to about
 6. 19. The aqueousdisinfectant formulation of claim 9, wherein said pH adjusting agent islactic acid, citric acid, or a combination thereof.